Breaking Britain returns, this time it’s the schools
Why is so much of Britain’s infrastructure literally falling apart?
Why is so much of Britain’s infrastructure literally falling apart?
Lib Dems condemn “chaotic and incompetent” budget
The sheer quantity of raw sewage being dumped into Britain’s rivers and coastal areas is a scandal and a disgrace.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council passed their budget and agreed a 4.9% council tax increase, virtually the maximum 5% allowed under government capping rules. Opposition leader Cllr Colin Taylor (Lib Dem) moved an amendment drawing attention to the looming financial crisis predicted for just after the next borough council elections - and the optimistic nature of the proposals to reduce spending. He pointed out that if this year's overspend was repeated the crisis would happen even sooner. He said "Much as I would like to see a smaller increase in Council Tax, the council's finances are in such a state that it would be irresponsible to propose this."
Charles Kennedy MP has launched the Liberal Democrat's manifesto for women. Amongst the proposals are plans to introduce a fairer Citizen's Pension, a Maternity Income Guarantee, and free long-term care for the elderly, helping both those in need and their carers.
Liberal Democrats today launched their campaign (www.stopnuisancecalls.com) to stop illegal nuisance calls from Labour and Conservative call centres in the run-up to the General Election.
Liberal Democrats are still the only party campaigning for abolition of Council Tax and its replacement by a local income tax related to the ability to pay. They believe that this is a fairer way for people to pay for the many services provided by councils and they have had enormous support for it across the country. Many experts in local government believe that the government has ducked the issue by ordering another unnecessary enquiry that will not report until after the next General election.
Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy is by far the party leader seen as an asset of the three main party leaders according to a new Guardian/ICM poll. The poll results shows Charles Kennedy has a rating of +34 whilst Michael Howard has +10 and Tony Blair +2.
Commenting on Tony Blair's meeting with George Bush today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Norman Baker MP said: